Used 2003 Chevrolet Venture Minivan Consumer Reviews
Don't buy this one!!
Although initially you will love the comfort and convenience of the Venture you will end up hating it. We replaced the brakes, bearings and mater computer chip (twice)! Now it is in the shop again because with a cracked cylinder head. Apparently leaking coolant since day we got it. Nothing but problems and Chevy does not care! With 2 small kids I need reliability not just comfort!
My Last GM Product
This van started falling apart at about 50000 miles. Door handles breaking, DVD player quit working, backup sensors quit working, seat side plastic plate broke to name a few. It now has 105,000 miles on it and I took it to the dealer with a list of things I would like to have repaired and asked them to give the van a good once over for problems. The total came up to roughly $5,000. The good ol' manifold gakset needed replaced, new shocks and struts, new brakes and rotors, a new computer, new plugs and wires and they wanted $183 dollars to fix the cheap plastic seat side plate. I'm going to have the stuff repaired, but not by those crooks. My 1997 Nissan Quest has 206,000 miles. Hmmm.
Dear lord I didn't want a minivan
But since I've had this one I've enjoyed it, in relative speaking. I like my wifes Dodge van better for less money. I can't wait until the kids get older and I can have my pickup truck back.
Practical, lots of nice features
We traded down - or up? - from a 94 Suburban. The Venture has AWD, not 4WD, and gets 12 mpg better. The DVD, wireless headphones are great for our 5-year-old on long trips. There's lots of room for people and their stuff. We had to have a AWD sensor replaced but a year and a half later, we are as pleased with the Venture as when we bought it.
mixed feelings
Bought the van 2 1/2 weeks before making a 2000 mile trip; 3 days after purchasing, had a problem with the fuel injector, which ended up needing to be replaced. On our trip, the driver side sun visor fell out and needed to be replaced when we returned. Fairly comfortable in the back seats (we have the captain's chairs in the middle row), especially with the leather interior. Not crazy about the way it handles, feels like you're tipping when going around corners. Ride is not very smooth, especially going up hills. Brakes seem rough, especially in icy conditions. Handles well on snow, however.